16
7.13
In order to fully balance and evacuate the leak detection system, the pump must
now run at normal discharge pressure for a period of about 30 minutes to one
hour. This ensures that excess barrier fluid is fully evacuated from the system.
7.14
Supply either process fluid, or test fluid (i.e. water) to the suction fitting and ensure
that the discharge system is configured for safe operation. The pump can be
started with minimal discharge pressure and then slowly brought up to full
pressure, if the system allows for this.
7.15
Apply power and start the pump.
7.16
Slowly increase the discharge pressure to full operating pressure, and continue
to run the pump.
7.17
During this time, excess barrier fluid will be displaced from the system into the
length of tubing attached to the outlet side, balancing the system for proper
operation. A small pen mark on the tube can assist in observing this process
visually. Once the liquid in the tube no longer rises, the evacuation should be
complete.
7.18
After the startup period, remove the tubing and connection from the housing
body and reinstall the pressure gauge. Use thread sealing tape as required.
7.19
Verify the connections to the alarm switch if they were disturbed during maintenance.
The pump and pressure leak-detection system are now properly prepared and
ready for normal service
. During normal operation, the gauge should indicate
0 (zero) pressure.
Under certain circumstances, the system may not completely evacuate excess
barrier fluid during the procedure as outlined above. In these cases, after
several days run time, a small amount of pressure may build in the system. If
this occurs, simply loosen the pressure gauge from the switch housing and
relieve a small amount of barrier fluid, returning the system to a zero-pressure
state.
Once this startup procedure is completed, the pressure leak detection system
should require no further maintenance.
